County teams discover secret underground bunker during cannabis enforcement operation

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Two men and a woman stand together inside an office workspace. — From left to right: Land Use Services Building and Safety division staff member Joe Clarke and Code Enforcement division staff members Tim Pfalzgraff and Andrea Ngalo worked with the Sheriff’s Marijuana Enforcement Team during a warrant inspection that uncovered a large underground bunker.

An enforcement investigation in Apple Valley led to the discovery of an unusual and potentially dangerous underground bunker. The uncovering underscored the unexpected challenges San Bernardino County teams face and the importance of strong collaboration among departments and public safety partners.

The county’s Land Use Services’ Code Enforcement division recently assisted the Sheriff’s Department with a warrant inspection at a property suspected of illegal cannabis cultivation. What began as a routine inspection quickly shifted when the team uncovered a substantial underground bunker concealed beneath an outdoor shed.

The bunker, estimated at about 640 square feet, included several rooms: sleeping quarters, a living area, a bathroom, storage spaces and even a shooting range with targets. Electrical wiring ran throughout the structure.

What looked like a simple outbuilding hid a surprisingly sophisticated network below ground. Inspectors found several cracked support beams, creating a risk of structural failure. Out of caution, personnel limited their time inside.

Recognizing the hazards, the Code Enforcement team requested help from Building and Safety, a partner division within the Land Use Services department. Building and Safety staff inspected the site and immediately “red‑tagged” the structure, identifying it as a serious safety hazard and prohibiting occupancy and further access.

“This discovery highlights the unique and often unexpected situations our field staff encounter while protecting the health, safety and welfare of our communities,” said Code Enforcement Chief Ignacio Nunez. “It also demonstrates the strong partnerships between Code Enforcement, Building and Safety and the Sheriff’s Department when addressing potentially dangerous conditions.”

Code Enforcement will work with the property owner to ensure the bunker is properly addressed and brought into compliance.

The operation reflects the county’s commitment to public safety and the teamwork of multiple departments working together to identify hazards, enforce regulations and protect residents throughout San Bernardino County.

Additional County Update News – July 2, 2026